Hydrogen tech powers port equipment shift

Canadian firm dynaCERT’s HydraGEN system, a hydrogen-based technology designed to reduce carbon emissions on diesel engines, has been installed on port equipment to help lower greenhouse gas output. 

“With this choice, we are reducing our environmental footprint and saving fuel,” said Gérard Pons, president of the Rochefort-Tonnay-Charente Commercial Port Joint Association.

“This system is not just a technical improvement; it reflects our vision for a Rochefort focused on the future.”

Emissions reduction

The hydrogen port equipment, which produces hydrogen and oxygen on demand through electrolysis, marks an €58,000 investment and is expected to be fitted on four more cranes by year-end.

Initial testing, which began in December 2024, compared emissions with and without the alternative fuels technology. Results confirmed that HydraGEN contributes to meaningful port emissions reduction. 

The initiative supports the port’s ambition to modernize while embracing green energy alternatives.

“The entire team at dynaCERT, along with dynaCERT GmbH team in Europe is very pleased to see the progress of IPMD, our French distributor in Europe, along with the acceptance of our HydraGEN Technology,” said Jim Payne, Chairman and CEO of dynaCERT.

He added that this pioneering use of hydrogen port equipment demonstrates how alternative fuels can transform traditional logistics operations and lead the maritime industry toward a more sustainable future.